OTT platforms like Netflix, online news portals now under I&B ministry's control

A notification in this regard was issued by the cabinet secretariat stated that "films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers and news and current affairs content on online platforms" shall be included in the 'India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. 

Digital content providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Disney Plus and Hotstar will now be regulated by the Union Information and Broadcasting ministry.

Also under government purview from now on are online mediums, including films and news content, under the ministry of information and broadcasting. 

According to the amendment order signed by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday the I&B ministry will also regulate current affairs content on online platforms.

A notification in this regard was issued by the cabinet secretariat stated that "films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers and news and current affairs content on online platforms" shall be included in the 'India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. 

The notification comes days after the Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on a petition seeking regulation of OTT platforms by an autonomous body.

This September, the I&B ministry had refused to support the self-regulation code floated by the Internet and Mobile Association of India. The I&B ministry had then said that the proposed self-regulatory mechanism lacks independent third-party monitoring, does not have a well-defined code of ethics, does not clearly enunciate prohibited content, and at the second- and third-tier level there is an issue of conflict of interest.